The Vice-Chancellor of the University for Development Studies (UDS), Prof. Mohammed Muniru Iddrisu, has rallied the University’s football team as the reigning African champions set out for Cairo, Egypt, with one mission firmly in sight: to defend their continental crown and bring the trophy back home.

The UDS team has departed Ghana for the 12th All Africa University Games in Cairo, Egypt, carrying with them not only the hopes of the University community but also the pride of Ghana.

Two years ago in Lagos, Nigeria, the UDS football team conquered the continent, producing a memorable run that culminated in their emergence as African university football champions. Now, the champions return to the continental stage determined to prove that their triumph was no accident.

Ahead of their departure, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mohammed Muniru Iddrisu, met the players and technical team and offered them words of encouragement, reminding them that representing UDS at such a major international competition was both a privilege and a responsibility.

“You are going to Cairo as champions, and that means a lot is expected of you,” Prof. Iddrisu told the team. “Go out there, remain disciplined, listen carefully to the instructions of your coaches and give your very best. Remember that you are representing not only UDS, but Ghana as well.”

The Vice-Chancellor assured the contingent of the University’s unwavering support and urged the players to remain focused throughout the tournament, irrespective of the opposition they encounter.

He emphasized that success on the football field requires more than individual talent, stressing the importance of teamwork, discipline, humility and respect for the technical direction of the coaches.

“Football is a team sport. Play for one another and play according to the instructions of your coaches. Be disciplined on and off the field, and conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the University for Development Studies,” he urged.

One of the coaches, Bruhan Abubakari, assured the Vice-Chancellor that the squad was in excellent condition ahead of the championship.

“The players are all in good health and ready for the competition,” he said, adding that preparations had put the team in a strong position to compete successfully in Cairo.

There was equal confidence from the playing body. Speaking on behalf of his teammates, team captain Asigri Mohammed pledged that the players would give everything on the pitch to retain the continental trophy. “We know what this title means to UDS and to Ghana,” the captain said. “We are going to Cairo to defend what we won in Lagos. We will do our best to bring the cup home again and make UDS and Ghana proud.”

His pledge captures the confidence surrounding a team that has established UDS as a formidable force in university football far beyond the borders of Ghana.

The trip to Cairo represents another chapter in a remarkable period for sports at the University. From West Africa to the continental and global stages, the UDS football team has consistently demonstrated the competitive spirit, resilience and excellence for which the University has become known.

For the players, however, past glory will count for little once the first whistle sounds in Cairo. Their task is clear: compete, defend the colors of UDS and Ghana with distinction, and fight to retain the trophy they lifted in Lagos two years ago.

As they embark on their title defense at the 12th All Africa University Games, they do so with the backing of the Vice-Chancellor, University Management and the entire UDS community. And they arrive in Cairo with a pedigree few university teams on the continent can match.

The University for Development Studies is the current World University Football Champion, African University Football Champion and West African University Football Champion. For UDS, Cairo is therefore not merely another tournament. It is a title defense.

Story by: Abdul-Malik
USD Media